Hanoi (VNA) – A photo exhibition on Viet𝔉nam - Laos relations kicked off at the Natio꧟nal News Agency Centre in Hanoi on September 6.

Opening the event, General Director of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Vu Viet Trang emphasised that 2022 is a significant year for bilateral ties. It marks 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relationship (September 5, 1962) and 45 years since the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (July 18, 1977) between the two countries. In celebration of these anniversaries, the VNA and the Lao News Agency (KPL) have coordinated to organise the exhibition. The event showcases more than 100 outstanding photos from their archives that reflect the special ties between Vietnam and Laos. The Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam) came into being on September 2, 1945 and the Lao Issara Provisional Government declared the independence of Laos on October 12 that year. The exhibits demonstrate the close-knit comradeship between the two countries’ Parties and people during their struggles for national independence in the past as well as national development and defence efforts at present, she noted. Trang added that they highlight the special friendship founded by late Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong and nurtured by generations of the countries’ leaders, revolutionaries, and people to become a precious heritage and a decisive factor in the success of each country’s revolution. The exhibition provides a comprehensive reflection of the important milestones in bilateral ties, outstanding achievements obtained by the two countries, as well as their people’s profound sentiment towards each other throughout history, Trang went on. Beautiful images of the Vietnam - Laos friendship will continue to be captured by VNA and KPL reporters to contribute to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and people, according to the VNA leader. In his pre-recorded speech, KPL General Director Khampheuy Philapha said the exhibition not only spotlights the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries but also illustrates the close and effective partnership for decades between the two news agencies, which has substantially helped reinforce the countries’ special relations. President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Nguyen Phuong Nga said the exhibition is highly meaningful since it coincides with the 60th founding anniversary of the diplomatic ties. She added that it also inspires the belief in a bright future for both nations and for their special friendship. Tran Nhat Hoang, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, shared the view that the display will give the public a closer look at the Vietnam - Laos diplomatic relations and help strengthen the two countries’ friendship. He held that the bilateral friendship has become a rare relationship of its kind in the world, but it still needs to be consolidated constantly through meaningful activities like this event. The official said more cultural activities like this exhibition should be organised so as to help Vietnamese and Lao people, especially the young, understand more about bilateral relations. He also suggested photos be displayed on social networks so that they can access more viewers. The display, held at the National News Agency Centre at No 5 Ly Thuong Kiet street in Hoan Kiem district, is scheduled to last through September 9./.